Knowledge Transfer Assistant for Ecodesign and Digital Product Passports in the Furniture Industry

The Department of Design and Furniture of Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology at Mendel University in Brno is one of the leading workplaces in the fields of research, development and innovation in furniture manufacturing, interior design and wood processing. It has long linked academic research with industrial practice and collaborates with Czech and international companies on projects focused on production digitalisation, ecodesign, the circular economy, and the development of new materials and structural solutions.

In cooperation with HON a.s., we are looking for an non-academic position a person for Knowledge Transfer Assistant for Ecodesign and Digital Product Passports in the Furniture Industry. The position is being created as part of an OP TAK project focused on implementing the principles of ecodesign, digital product passports (DPPs), the digitalisation of production processes and supporting sustainable development in the furniture industry. It offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the transfer of academic knowledge into company practice and the implementation of innovative solutions with a real-world impact.

The Assistant will work at the interface between the academic and corporate environments, contributing to the development of methodologies, supporting TPV/ERP systems, carrying out pilot LCA/LCC analyses and training employees. The main objective is to transfer academic know-how into practice and contribute to the modernisation and sustainable development of furniture production.

What will your responsibilities be?

• implementing the principles of ecodesign, digitalisation and the circular economy in furniture development and production at HON a.s.
• cooperating on the creation and administration of data templates for digital product passports (DPPs), including integration with CAD/ERP systems
• supporting environmental analyses (LCA/LCC) and evaluating the impacts of production processes from a sustainability perspective
• organising and delivering training sessions and workshops, and providing methodological support to employees
• cooperating with MENDELU and HON a.s. teams on transferring research into practice and pilot testing methodologies
• preparing methodological materials, internal guidelines and materials for project management
• preparing project materials, reports and outputs / preparing scientific publications, reports and presentations related to the project

What do we expect from you?

• completed Master's degree, preferably a Ph.D. or ongoing doctoral studies, in furniture manufacturing, furniture design or industrial design
• excellent knowledge of Czech
• knowledge of ecodesign, the circular economy, production digitalisation or technical preparation of production (TPV) in the furniture or related industry
• the ability to work independently, with an analytical and systematic approach to solving technical and process-related tasks
• communication and organisational skills for cooperation between the academic and corporate environments, and the ability to deliver training and present results
• at least 1–2 years of professional experience in research, development, design engineering, production technology, project management or the implementation of innovations
• excellent knowledge of English
• computer literacy (MS Office)
• driving licence category B (active driver)
• proactive and responsible approach to work / commitment
• creative and innovative approach to finding solutions
• ability to work independently and as part of a team / independence in solving research tasks and the ability to take responsibility for assigned areas
• attention to detail and reliability
• good organisational skills

What would be an advantage?

• familiarity with CAD/CAM, ERP or similar systems for furniture design, engineering and production
• basic knowledge of LCA/LCC, digital product passports (DPPs) or environmental certifications (FSC/PEFC)
• experience in furniture manufacturing, furniture design engineering, wood processing or technical preparation of production
• active knowledge of English for working with professional literature and communicating in international projects

What can we offer you?

• professional support of an established university workplace
• work in an international / interdisciplinary team
• access to state-of-the-art laboratory and technical equipment
• cooperation with experienced academic and research staff as well as industry professionals / involvement in applied research with a direct impact on practice
• involvement in a project connecting research and practice (HON a.s.)
• work on topics related to ecodesign, the circular economy and digitalisation (DPPs)
• cooperation within an interdisciplinary team of experts
• direct impact on innovation and the sustainable development of the furniture industry
• flexible environment and experience with applied research
• 6 weeks of vacation
• opportunities for professional education and development, qualification enhancement, courses and training
• contribution towards meals (Edenred Card and meals in the canteen)
• MultiSport card
• ALIVE card offering various discounts
• the opportunity to benefit from the advantages of the university environment, such as sports courses offered by the Centre for Sports Activities, the Counselling and Career Centre, the Botanical Garden and Arboretum, recreational facilities, libraries and the purchase of university products (game meat, eggs, beer, wine, Christmas trees, etc.)
• university nursery and summer day camps

Number of vacancies: 1

Expected start date: November 2026

Term of employment: fixed-term contract until September 2028

Workload: 0.5 FTE (20 hours per week)

Place of work: Brno - Černá Pole

Are you interested? Apply for the selection procedure by 26 November 2026 and send us:

• professional CV
• cover letter
• list of publications

How does our selection procedure work? orlz.mendelu.cz/jak-u-nas-probihaji-vyberova-rizeni

We look forward to hearing from you!